Congressman Steve Rothman's Statement on the Tenth Anniversary of September 11, 2001

Statement

Every American who witnessed those horrific attacks still vividly remembers the moment we learned about the assault on our country. I will never forget seeing and smelling the smoke from the twin towers. It was, and remains, a terrible, terrible memory.

September 11, 2001 is thus permanently engraved in our minds and hearts as we commemorate the nearly three thousand innocent victims, including 715 from New Jersey, who lost their lives on that day.

We honor their memories and extend to their families and loved ones our thoughts, prayers, and continued support. May September 11 continue to be a special day to recall what occurred on September 11, 2001.

We recall the selfless sacrifice and heroism of the first responders who rushed toward the burning remains where the towers once stood. As the World Trade Center site was simmering, firefighters, police officers, paramedics, and many other Americans dug through the rubble to find any sign of life. These heroes risked their own lives to save as many lives as possible -- and some made the ultimate sacrifice.

I remember being with President Bush at the World Trade Center site, just a handful of feet from him, as he made his iconic speech three days after those horrific attacks. And I was honored to stand with President Obama on May 5, 2011, when the President visited Ground Zero after the United States fulfilled the promise, of both presidents, that America would find Osama Bin Laden and bring him to justice.

Today, and for every day to come, our country will never forget the terrorist attacks of 9/11 and the deaths of thousands of innocent people. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten.